Urban Poverty Studies, Minor

Drawing on the long tradition of Saint Louis University's commitment to the city of St. Louis, Missouri, the interdisciplinary minor in urban poverty studies is an examination of local, national and global forms of poverty, inequality and social injustice in urban environments.

Leadership

Olga Arbelaez, Ph.D. Director

Curriculum Overview

Through coursework and practical experience serving in the city of St. Louis, students from across academic disciplines will think critically about the most pressing problems faced by people living on the margins in contemporary cities. In addition, they will investigate the ways in which the minor can supplement their major field of study.

The 18 credits interdisciplinary minor, which is administered by the Micah Program, is open to all undergraduates at the University, regardless of their school or major. No affiliation with the Micah Program is required.

Courses listed below in each category are only a sample of the overall course options which fulfill requirements for the Minor. Your faculty mentor will discuss with you the interdisciplinary courses that can be used for the Minor. No course may fulfill more than one Urban Poverty Studies Minor requirement.

Course List

Code

Title

Credits

General Courses

3

Choose at least one course on the nature of justice and social ethics with an Urban Poverty-General attribute, such as:

One additional course from any category with an Urban Poverty attribute

Senior Capstone

3

Complete the Senior Capstone course or an approved 3-credit senior capstone, practicum, or seminar in the student’s major. The course must culminate in a paper and an oral presentation on a topic involving urban poverty in the chosen Area of Specialization for the minor.

Non-Course Requirement: Community Service

At least four terms (or their equivalent) of approved community service, averaging at least 30 hours per term.

Substitutions

In unusual circumstances, students may (at the discretion of the Director) substitute relevant courses not listed above by contracting with the instructor to write a substantive paper related to urban problems or community service. Contracts must be approved no later than the second week of classes.

Continuation of Standards

Students must have a GPA of 2.00 in Urban Poverty Studies minor coursework to be retained in the minor.